new to semi-hydro (picture series)
 

I was curious about semi-hydro and after reading for the last week, I paid a visit to my local hydroponic/indoor gardening store. (I hope it's ok to post a link to the store. It's called Indoor Garden, and they are very helpful. They have 3 locations in western Washington state)

I bought a 10 liter bag of Hydroton for $9.99.

I went to my local deli, and looked at the containers, and bought one pound of potato salad (and asked them to put it in the large container)

I soaked the Hydroton over night and rinsed it.

I assembled my tools, (propane blow torch, vise-grip pliers, nail and lighter)

I heated the nail, and made 3 holes, about 1 inch above the bottom, on the side of the container.

I then added the plant and the Hyrdroton and gave it a couple gentle squeezes and taps, to settle the Hydroton in the pot, and around the roots.

Can it be this easy? I took pictures of the process. Could I have do something better?

Looks good, and yes, its that easy.

More importantly, did you eat the potato salad, and was it any good?

lol

yes the potato salad is quite good. I need 6 more of these so I am thinking Cole Slaw next, then Greek Salad, etc etc

Hello!

I do use deli container too ! To make a hole, a simple nail heated on the stove is enough.
My deli store allow me to bye the container empty and they charge me 10 cents each ! A nice deal !

It's just that easy! Why aren't we all growing like this?? Many of us soak the leca in a root growth stimulator like KLN, before planting, then water in with it also. Fertilizer solution for subsequent waterings. First Rays Orchids has some great S/H info.

Boondock......what is the plant you potted up?

Sounds like a good plan, but the torch is a bit much. :evil: Nail on the stove is much easier. :nod:

Have a local hydro store here as well, never been in there, it's one of those things, I need to go see for myself what the big hype is but have never think about it when I have free time...free time what's that :scratchhead:

The plant is Lc. Love Knot var. coerulea 'Carmela's Blue' (L. sincorana x C. walkeriana)

I have 5 of these, but I'm going to wait until I see how this one does, before repotting them all.

here's a pic of the bloom, last Feb

Be forewarned that catts can some times be very "pouty" about the transition to semi-hydro culture, and remember that timing is everything.

Based upon the limited view of the photos, it doesn't look like you have new growths emerging (OK, it is 5:30 in the morning, and I am working on that first cup of coffee, so maybe I missed it/them.). If that's the case, be prepared to pamper the plant and observe fairly extensive root rot until it does. THEN, it will take off in s/h culture.

thank you Ray, yes I've been reading so much about semi-hydro and I think I picked the "right time". After blooming ended in March, this plant just sat around, till about the begin of Jun. It grew 3 new growth eyes and the roots became active, so I figured this was the time to try it.

I'll keep a close eye on it for the next couple of weeks.

Good luck with your S/H. I have been growing almost everything in either PA or Hydroton for close to 2 years. I have wonderful success with it, especially my phrags. Marilyn